Chesapeake Bay dolphin deaths perplex researchers

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What's killing so many dolphins along the Chesapeake Bay?

The Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center says they've responded to a higher number of dead and dying bottlenose dolphins this year than previously.

An aquarium press release said 44 of the 82 dolphin strandings this year happened in July, the average for July is seven. The aquarium's Stranding Response Team is working with the NOAA Fisheries to investigate the causes of death, but it will take time.

The most recent strandings appear to be almost exclusively males, of all ages and sizes.

Residents are asked to call the Stranding Response 24-hour hotline at 757-385-7575 with the exact location of any stranded or dead dolphin, and to be patient as they may not be able to respond immediately.

To report a dead or live stranded marine mammal or sea turtle call the Virginia Aquarium Stranding Response Program 24-hour hotline at (757) 385-7575.